MARQUETTE -- Ninth-graders Kenyon McFarlane and Sarah Jane Crimmins of Leland Public School recently introduced a bill to place a ban on metallic sulfide mining throughout the state of Michigan. According to an article posted on June 18, 2008, on Save the Wild UP, the students' project was presented at a Youth in Government Conference last April.
In a description of their Youth in Government experience, the students write, "Out of over 900 bills, our bill ended up being one of only 16 bills that were officially passed during the April Conference. We were very grateful that our bill was passed, but we realized that the journey wasn’t over yet. Because it was passed in the youth government, the bill will now be proposed to the real Michigan legislature, and it has the chance of being signed into law."*
More updates from Save the Wild UP
Save the Wild UP also posted on June 1, 2008, an Action Alert concerning violence against opponents of mining projects in the region.
The article recounts the incident of violence against Robert Pryor, husband of Cynthia Pryor, executive director of the Yellowdog Watershed Preserve and an active opponent of Kennecott Minerals' Eagle Project, the proposed sulfide mine near Marquette. While Cynthia was attending the contested case hearings in Lansing currently challenging the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality's decision to permit the sulfide mine, her husband was attacked at their cabin, located near the proposed site of the mine.
According to the article, "He [Robert Pryor] was assaulted by three unknown males in the late hours of the evening at his cabin which is located in a remote area near Big Bay. The three identified themselves by asking if he 'was one of those anti-mining guys.' When he asked them to leave they knocked him to the ground and beat him, leaving him unconscious outside in the freezing rain."
This same article reports the visit to the shareholders' meeting for Rio Tinto, Kennecott's parent company, in London, England, by a Michigan delegation -- including Susan La Fernier, vice president of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community; Fran Whitman from Friends of the Land of Keweenaw (FOLK); Gabriel Caplett, from Northwoods Wilderness Recovery and Yellow Dog Summer; and Cynthia Pryor from the Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve.
"Susan La Fernier tried to ask the Rio Tinto board how they planned to protect and guarantee the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community’s treaty rights to hunt, fish and gather on lands in the ceded territory of Michigan but was interrupted and cut off by Chairman of the Board Paul Skinner," the article notes.
At the meeting the Michigan delegation spoke about misinformation given by Kennecott to shareholders. After the meeting, they met with CEO Tom Albanese, and Cynthia Pryor presented him with group resolutions against the mine and 10,000 signatures from an on-line petition against it.**
* Read the full story about the students' bill on Save the Wild UP.
** Read the rest of this Action Alert article and other news items related to sulfide mining on Save the Wild UP.
Editor's Note: See also the June 21, 2008, article in Marquette's Mining Journal, "Kennecott air surveys seek more minerals." The Journal's John Pepin writes in the article that the Kennecott Eagle Project [if finally approved] "would be the country’s only nickel mine in operation."
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Isle Royale, Keweenaw National Historical Park form Parks Association
Sunset at Lane Cove, Isle Royale. (Photo ©2008 Joe Kaplan. Reprinted with permission.)CALUMET -- The Isle Royale Natural History Association is celebrating its 50th birthday with a name change. The Isle Royale Natural History Association (IRNHA) was founded in 1957 by a group of Isle Royale residents and National Park Service staff whose love of Isle Royale prompted them to form an organization with the purpose of sharing with the public the story of one of the country’s newest national parks, Isle Royale National Park.
Now, fifty years later IRNHA is partnering with a second young park -- Keweenaw National Historical Park -- and changing its name to reflect its new mission. The new organizational name is the Isle Royale and Keweenaw Parks Association.
The revised mission of the Isle Royale and Keweenaw Parks Association (Parks Association) is to work in partnership with the National Park Service to promote the public’s understanding and appreciation of Isle Royale National Park and Keweenaw National Historical Park through education and research. By publishing and selling books and other educational products about Isle Royale and the Keweenaw, the Parks Association educates the public about these special places and raises funds that are re-invested to support research and interpretive programs. By educating the public about our local National Parks, the Parks Association helps to preserve and protect these parks for future generations.
Every year the Isle Royale Keweenaw Parks Association contributes approximately $25,000 in cash and in-kind aid to Isle Royale and Keweenaw to publish park newspapers, provide programs for both children and adults and support research and preservation efforts. New publications from the Parks Associations include Island Life: An Isle Royale Nature Guide and Downtown Calumet: Guide to the Historic Mining Community.
The Isle Royale Natural History Association, now the Isle Royale and Keweenaw Parks Association, has grown over the years from a small group of local residents to a membership of over 1,200 people from every state in the country. Financial aid to the parks has grown many times over, and their publications have changed from mimeographed brochures to professionally produced full-color books, but the organization’s mission and reliance on volunteers to fulfill that mission remains unchanged. The Parks Associations remains a grass-roots organization relying on the hard work, vision and financial support of a volunteer board of directors, several committees and their members.
Isle Royale Keweenaw Parks Association will celebrate its new name at an open house from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, June 27, at Keweenaw National Historic Park’s newly refurbished Headquarters on Red Jacket Road in Calumet. The public is invited to tour the new facilities, shop in the new bookstore, participate in drawings for park-related gifts and enjoy refreshments provided by the Parks Association.
Pasty Poetry Throwdown June 26 to kick off Calumet Pasty Fest
CALUMET -- A "Pasty Poetry Throwdown" will take place at 7 p.m. tonight, Thursday, June 26, at the Conglomerate Café, 104 Fifth St., in Calumet. The event is a poetry reading with a theme of pasties.*
"Everybody's welcome," said Babette Jokela, Conglomerate Café owner. "We're just looking for pasty poetry."
The poetry event kicks off Main Street Calumet's "PastyFest 2008," June 26-28, a weekend of family fun, including, on Saturday, June 28, a Pasty Parade at 10 a.m.; live music, a pasty bake-off, more pasty poetry and kids' games in Agassiz Park; a Karaoke Sing-off at 5 p.m. and more.
The New Christy Minstrels will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, June 27, in the Calumet Theatre. At 7:30 p.m. on Saturday evening, the Calumet Theatre will host "Richard Rodgers in Revue!"
Visit the Main Street Calumet Web site for the complete schedule of events.
*Editor's Note: For visitors who may not know, pasty rhymes with "nasty" (no connection, necessarily) and is a type of Cornish meat pie, that may contain potatoes and vegetables such as onions, turnips or rutabaga. Cornish miners carried them down in the mines. It's a portable whole meal. Some people put catsup on them, but they're good with plain yogurt on top, especially if you skip the meat. (Hei, this is a blog so I can give my opinion here!)
"Everybody's welcome," said Babette Jokela, Conglomerate Café owner. "We're just looking for pasty poetry."
The poetry event kicks off Main Street Calumet's "PastyFest 2008," June 26-28, a weekend of family fun, including, on Saturday, June 28, a Pasty Parade at 10 a.m.; live music, a pasty bake-off, more pasty poetry and kids' games in Agassiz Park; a Karaoke Sing-off at 5 p.m. and more.
The New Christy Minstrels will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, June 27, in the Calumet Theatre. At 7:30 p.m. on Saturday evening, the Calumet Theatre will host "Richard Rodgers in Revue!"
Visit the Main Street Calumet Web site for the complete schedule of events.
*Editor's Note: For visitors who may not know, pasty rhymes with "nasty" (no connection, necessarily) and is a type of Cornish meat pie, that may contain potatoes and vegetables such as onions, turnips or rutabaga. Cornish miners carried them down in the mines. It's a portable whole meal. Some people put catsup on them, but they're good with plain yogurt on top, especially if you skip the meat. (Hei, this is a blog so I can give my opinion here!)
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Updated: Reading the Landscape field trips to explore changes in land
The Keweenaw Land Trust's Paavola Wetlands Preserve will be the scene of the July 19 Reading the Landscape session, "Revised Landscapes and Home Grounds." KLT has expanded the preserve to include a trail system available for educational hikes through the marshland. (Keweenaw Now file photo © 2006 Evan McDonald. Reprinted with permission.)GRATIOT LAKE -- Reading the Landscape of the Keweenaw 2008: Changes in the Land is a series of art and natural history field trips on diverse topics for adults. It is co-sponsored by a group of conservation-oriented non-profit organizations including Copper Country Audubon, Copper Country Trout Unlimited, Gratiot Lake Conservancy (GLC), Houghton Keweenaw Conservation District, Keweenaw Historical Society, Keweenaw Land Trust (KLT), and Michigan Nature Association.
Sessions will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on four Saturdays: June 28, July 12, July 19 and August 9. Participants in the trips will visit a variety of places in the Keweenaw Peninsula. Reservations for the trips are necessary and group size is limited. The fee is $15 per trip with discounts available for members of KLT or GLC.
Teachers interested in attending any of the field trips may apply to the Gratiot Lake Conservancy for a Janet Avery Scholarship that will cover the $15 fee.
The first session, "Phenology: what happens when and why," offered on June 28, may be of particular interest to birders. Participants will discover how to note and record the timing of natural events -- from the nesting of birds to the bursting of flower buds. They will learn how such observations can enhance our understanding of changing climate and how phenology data can be collected by students and amateur naturalists. The walk will be moderately strenuous. Participants will explore Mount Baldy (near Eagle Harbor) with conservation biologist David Flaspohler, research ecologist Erik Lilleskov and visiting photographer Randy Richmond.*
The July and August sessions are as follows:
July 12 -- "Shifting Sands: examining the unnatural and natural history of stamp sands." Visit the historic Central Mine site with artist Linden Dahlstrom, Houghton Keweenaw Conservation District Board Member Gina Nicholas and remediation experts from the Central/Winona Stamp Sand Stabilization Project to discover what effect the mining that took place over a century ago still has on land and waters there. Find out how mining has impacted the Eagle River Watershed and what the mitigation plan is for returning some of the area to a more natural state. Update: This session is already completely booked.
July 19 -- "Revised Landscapes and Home Grounds." Explore Paavola Wetlands and Boston Pond with nature writer Michael Moore and environmental engineer Heather Wright. These guides will lead participants on a nature walk and writing workshop, which will include discussions along the way of the kinds and causes of environmental change -- some natural, some human-made.
August 9 -- "Shaping Succession: visiting private lands restored." Visit private lands which are models of forest and wetland restoration. Join artist Joyce Koskenmaki and two Chassell landowners to see positive changes people can make on their own property to attract wildlife and revive the natural ecology.
More information on the complete Reading the Landscape 2008 series (including a downloadable brochure) visit the Gratiot Lake Conservancy Web site or contact the Keweenaw Land Trust at 482-0820 to obtain a paper copy.
*Editor's Note: Visiting photographer Randy Richmond of Muscatine, Iowa, has an exhibit of his photographs in the Community Arts Center's Kerredge Gallery in Hancock through June 28. The artist will give a talk about his work at a closing reception from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, June 27, in the Gallery.
Monday, June 23, 2008
State Rep. Mike Lahti outlines issues for re-election campaign
By Michele Bourdieu
Mike Lahti chats on the phone in his office at State Farm Insurance Co. in Hancock on Friday, June 20. Lahti is seeking re-election to his position as District 110 State Representative. He represents a large area of the western Upper Peninsula in the Michigan House of Representatives. (Photo © 2008 Michele Bourdieu)
All this commuting has not discouraged Lahti from seeking a second term. The following video clip, recorded by Keweenaw Now last Friday, June 20, is a message to his constituents. Here's Mike ...
In a June 20 interview with Keweenaw Now, Lahti outlined what he sees as the most important needs of his constituents. He said the major need in the Western U.P. reflects the major issue now facing the whole state of Michigan.
Jobs: number one priority
"The major issue is jobs," he noted. "Entrepreneurs and business people and developments create jobs, but it's up to the state to do what they can to make that a little easier for businesses."
Lahti said the state can offer incentives for businesses to come here, but the key is to make the red tape not so difficult so businesses can locate here and function.
Quality education trains for jobs, attracts new businesses
The next priority is education, he added. Quality education makes this a better place to live -- and one where businesses would want to locate. He cited the importance of both K-12 and higher education, including community colleges and universities in the area.
"You want to have your kids educated well so they can get a chance in today's society, so they can get a good job when they graduate or they can go on to college," Lahti said.
He pointed out that community colleges, such as Gogebic Community College in Ironwood, are training people for jobs that are already right here, in such fields as nursing and health care.
Lahti mentioned also the "No Worker Left Behind" program administered by Michigan Works, with support from both the state and the federal government.
"It really works with community schools (colleges)," Lahti said. "It works with employers so that people are trained. They get money to go to school."
Lahti said the advantage of the program is that it trains people -- not just for the sake of training, but for jobs that are available now in the area.
The local universities -- Michigan Tech, Northern Michigan and Finlandia -- also attract a good number of students from the U.P., Lahti noted.
"Where universities are, usually there's a better economy around that area," he added.
Lahti said we need to keep investing in these universities, which offer programs such as the Smart Zone -- a partnership of Michigan Tech, the Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance (KEDA, formerly the Keweenaw Industrial Council) and the cities of Hancock and Houghton. The Smart Zone is set up to attract new businesses that need personnel with university training, especially in high-tech and business fields.*
"Michigan Tech is active in providing good jobs here," Lahti said. "Entrepreneurs want to come here because (MTU offers) trained people that can work in their businesses."
Lahti also mentioned the state provides tuition grants for needy students who attend private schools. That amounts to about $58 million for private schools all over the state, or about $2100 a year for each student.
"So that really helps Finlandia," he said.
Lahti said it's important to invest in the local universities because they add to the quality of life.
Use and conserve Upper Peninsula's natural resources
Natural resources are an essential part of that quality of life as well, and Lahti sees them as the third priority in meeting the needs of his constituents.
"We spend less per capita (on natural resources) than any other state," Lahti said.
Of the $285 million budget for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), less than $25 million comes from the general fund, Lahti explained. The rest comes from fees, such as park fees or hunting and fishing fees.
"We don't spend much, but it's worth protecting our streams, our rivers and our Great Lakes," Lahti said. "It makes Michigan a good state to live in, and we have to protect it."
He mentioned the recent (state) House water bill, and a state Senate bill in progress, to protect the lakes against water diversion.
Lahti also emphasized the natural resources that provide jobs, such as the forests -- a sustainable, renewable resource.
The state of Michigan owns 20 percent of the forest land in Michigan.
"We provide a lot of timber for the timber industry, and we have to do a better job in marketing and selling our timber to help the lumbering industry and the logging infrastructure," Lahti said.
He said the state needs to do a better job working with the private lumbering industry to keep that logging infrastructure sustainable.
The Michigan Conservation Districts recently gave Lahti an award for his strong support of their natural resource management services, such as the forester program through which the Districts work with private landowners to help them conserve their land, but also work with them so they can harvest their timber and manage their land. He said despite the fact that the Governor vetoed the forester program, he is still working now to get it back into the (DNR) budget.
"I think it's still valuable for the state to help private landowners in land management," Lahti said.
New mining projects can provide jobs, Lahti says
Lahti then answered some questions Keweenaw Now had posed concerning his position on the proposed sulfide mine, Kennecott Minerals' Eagle Project near Marquette, and the additional mining exploration going on now in the Western U.P.
"We're rich in minerals," Lahti said. "I'm not against any mining business that comes here and follows the rules, gets the proper permits and does mining."
He said that includes the sulfide mine. He believes the state and federal governments are doing what they can with regulations to make sure there aren't any accidents -- or to make accidents less likely.
I'm not opposed to it, but I'm not opposed to keeping their feet to the fire to make sure they do it safely," Lahti said.
As for Kennecott's past record of mining, as in Wisconsin, where pollution from one of their mines led to a moratorium on sulfide mining by the state of Wisconsin, Lahti said we should look at what they're doing now and not what they did in the past.
Lahti said he had heard members of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community express opposition to the mine at a town meeting in L'Anse. He also met with residents of Big Bay (which is very near Kennecott's proposed Eagle Project sulfide mine site) earlier this year and said the feeling there was mixed. While Big Bay is within Lahti's 110th District, the actual site of the Eagle Mine is not.
"I got opinions on both sides," Lahti said of the meeting in Big Bay.
He said he believed Kennecott was working to put in a road (for the mining) that doesn't go through Big Bay or Marquette. If Kennecott follows the rules and does the mining safely, he added, other mines will open up in the area. Lahti said he felt that would lead to jobs for U.P. residents.
As for the local pollution from past mining in the Western U.P., Lahti noted that was a time when there were no controls on the mining companies.
"(In the past) they could do what they wanted with their waste. Now we have people who are concerned and we have people watching them and we have government that's watching them," he said.
Lahti said he believes the area has room for both mining and tourism.
"We have lots of land, lots of beautiful natural resources. We should protect them, but we still should capitalize on our resources," Lahti added, "so we can use the money that's derived from them for jobs as well as taxes -- and pay for our services."
On the local Hancock issue of Government Lot 5 and whether or not the mouth of Swedetown Creek should be preserved as a park or sold for residential housing and taxes, Lahti said it's up to the City of Hancock to decide; but he has enjoyed the sandy area at the mouth of the creek.
"I've been there many times, as a kid and even as a grownup," he said. "That little area -- to protect it would be fine."
Alternative energy, public transit good for future
Commenting on the future effects of the increasing cost of gas and energy, Lahti said he was familiar with some of the sustainability ideas being suggested by local citizens' groups -- community gardens, highway and street plans that encourage biking and walking, wind and solar energy projects and more public transportation.
"Those are good grass-roots ideas," he said.
Lahti said he was in favor of public transit such as Houghton's and Hancock's.
"There may be a lot of people staying in apartments," he noted, "because of being close to downtown -- for the walkability and being close to public transportation."
He believes more people will soon be making sure their houses are energy-efficient. Lahti said he thinks there is a future for solar and wind energy in the U.P. as well.
"I've started enjoying turbines on the horizon," he said of some wind turbines he observed near Sault Ste. Marie, Canada. "I think the turbines are fine. I think solar energy as an alternative is fine."
Lahti said he also liked what the Smurfit-Stone Container Co. of Ontonagon is doing with their waste sludge -- selling it as biomass for the Warden Station, a power plant in L'Anse. He said he also learned just recently that Mascoma is planning on putting the first biomass-to-ethanol plant in the state somewhere in northern Michigan.
Lahti supports Stupak, Obama
Lahti said he is supportive of Congressman Bart Stupak's campaign for re-election.
"I think he's a hard worker," Lahti said. "He's got a lot of years now. His seniority is good, and he can be even more effective for his district. He's a fighter for us."
He added he is also supportive of Barack Obama as Democratic candidate for U.S. President.
"I like his character," Lahti said. "He initially didn't throw his minister under a bus (didn't leave the minister's church) -- until his minister wouldn't shut up."
Lahti said he believes Obama is very thoughtful in his decisions.
"He doesn't fly off the handle, and he exudes confidence," Lahti said, "People feel confident in him. I think he'd do a good job for the country."
Lahti said he was not too familiar with the platform of his Republican opponent, John Larson, who is both pro-life and pro-gun rights. While Lahti is pro-life because of his opposition to abortion, he is not opposed to family planning. As a hunter, he supports gun rights. He's also a fisherman but, with his busy schedule, has too little time for fishing.
To learn more about State Representative Mike Lahti, visit his Web site at http://110.housedems.com/
To see a map of Michigan's District 110, click here.
You can contact Rep. Mike Lahti by calling him toll-free at 888-663-4031 or by emailing mikelahti@house.mi.gov.
Editor's Note:
* The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) administers the Smart Zone program. See http://mtecsmart.com/.
Mike Lahti chats on the phone in his office at State Farm Insurance Co. in Hancock on Friday, June 20. Lahti is seeking re-election to his position as District 110 State Representative. He represents a large area of the western Upper Peninsula in the Michigan House of Representatives. (Photo © 2008 Michele Bourdieu)HANCOCK -- Jobs, education and natural resources are high on the list of priorities for District 110 State Representative Mike Lahti as he begins his campaign for re-election to the Michigan House of Representatives. From Big Bay to Copper Harbor to Ironwood, District 110 covers a large area of the Western Upper Peninsula and keeps him very busy in a schedule that includes driving to Lansing and back to Hancock every week.
All this commuting has not discouraged Lahti from seeking a second term. The following video clip, recorded by Keweenaw Now last Friday, June 20, is a message to his constituents. Here's Mike ...
In a June 20 interview with Keweenaw Now, Lahti outlined what he sees as the most important needs of his constituents. He said the major need in the Western U.P. reflects the major issue now facing the whole state of Michigan.
Jobs: number one priority
"The major issue is jobs," he noted. "Entrepreneurs and business people and developments create jobs, but it's up to the state to do what they can to make that a little easier for businesses."
Lahti said the state can offer incentives for businesses to come here, but the key is to make the red tape not so difficult so businesses can locate here and function.
Quality education trains for jobs, attracts new businesses
The next priority is education, he added. Quality education makes this a better place to live -- and one where businesses would want to locate. He cited the importance of both K-12 and higher education, including community colleges and universities in the area.
"You want to have your kids educated well so they can get a chance in today's society, so they can get a good job when they graduate or they can go on to college," Lahti said.
He pointed out that community colleges, such as Gogebic Community College in Ironwood, are training people for jobs that are already right here, in such fields as nursing and health care.
Lahti mentioned also the "No Worker Left Behind" program administered by Michigan Works, with support from both the state and the federal government.
"It really works with community schools (colleges)," Lahti said. "It works with employers so that people are trained. They get money to go to school."
Lahti said the advantage of the program is that it trains people -- not just for the sake of training, but for jobs that are available now in the area.
The local universities -- Michigan Tech, Northern Michigan and Finlandia -- also attract a good number of students from the U.P., Lahti noted.
"Where universities are, usually there's a better economy around that area," he added.
Lahti said we need to keep investing in these universities, which offer programs such as the Smart Zone -- a partnership of Michigan Tech, the Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance (KEDA, formerly the Keweenaw Industrial Council) and the cities of Hancock and Houghton. The Smart Zone is set up to attract new businesses that need personnel with university training, especially in high-tech and business fields.*
"Michigan Tech is active in providing good jobs here," Lahti said. "Entrepreneurs want to come here because (MTU offers) trained people that can work in their businesses."
Lahti also mentioned the state provides tuition grants for needy students who attend private schools. That amounts to about $58 million for private schools all over the state, or about $2100 a year for each student.
"So that really helps Finlandia," he said.
Lahti said it's important to invest in the local universities because they add to the quality of life.
Use and conserve Upper Peninsula's natural resources
Natural resources are an essential part of that quality of life as well, and Lahti sees them as the third priority in meeting the needs of his constituents.
"We spend less per capita (on natural resources) than any other state," Lahti said.
Of the $285 million budget for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), less than $25 million comes from the general fund, Lahti explained. The rest comes from fees, such as park fees or hunting and fishing fees.
"We don't spend much, but it's worth protecting our streams, our rivers and our Great Lakes," Lahti said. "It makes Michigan a good state to live in, and we have to protect it."
He mentioned the recent (state) House water bill, and a state Senate bill in progress, to protect the lakes against water diversion.
Lahti also emphasized the natural resources that provide jobs, such as the forests -- a sustainable, renewable resource.
The state of Michigan owns 20 percent of the forest land in Michigan.
"We provide a lot of timber for the timber industry, and we have to do a better job in marketing and selling our timber to help the lumbering industry and the logging infrastructure," Lahti said.
He said the state needs to do a better job working with the private lumbering industry to keep that logging infrastructure sustainable.
The Michigan Conservation Districts recently gave Lahti an award for his strong support of their natural resource management services, such as the forester program through which the Districts work with private landowners to help them conserve their land, but also work with them so they can harvest their timber and manage their land. He said despite the fact that the Governor vetoed the forester program, he is still working now to get it back into the (DNR) budget.
"I think it's still valuable for the state to help private landowners in land management," Lahti said.
New mining projects can provide jobs, Lahti says
Lahti then answered some questions Keweenaw Now had posed concerning his position on the proposed sulfide mine, Kennecott Minerals' Eagle Project near Marquette, and the additional mining exploration going on now in the Western U.P.
"We're rich in minerals," Lahti said. "I'm not against any mining business that comes here and follows the rules, gets the proper permits and does mining."
He said that includes the sulfide mine. He believes the state and federal governments are doing what they can with regulations to make sure there aren't any accidents -- or to make accidents less likely.
I'm not opposed to it, but I'm not opposed to keeping their feet to the fire to make sure they do it safely," Lahti said.
As for Kennecott's past record of mining, as in Wisconsin, where pollution from one of their mines led to a moratorium on sulfide mining by the state of Wisconsin, Lahti said we should look at what they're doing now and not what they did in the past.
Lahti said he had heard members of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community express opposition to the mine at a town meeting in L'Anse. He also met with residents of Big Bay (which is very near Kennecott's proposed Eagle Project sulfide mine site) earlier this year and said the feeling there was mixed. While Big Bay is within Lahti's 110th District, the actual site of the Eagle Mine is not.
"I got opinions on both sides," Lahti said of the meeting in Big Bay.
He said he believed Kennecott was working to put in a road (for the mining) that doesn't go through Big Bay or Marquette. If Kennecott follows the rules and does the mining safely, he added, other mines will open up in the area. Lahti said he felt that would lead to jobs for U.P. residents.
As for the local pollution from past mining in the Western U.P., Lahti noted that was a time when there were no controls on the mining companies.
"(In the past) they could do what they wanted with their waste. Now we have people who are concerned and we have people watching them and we have government that's watching them," he said.
Lahti said he believes the area has room for both mining and tourism.
"We have lots of land, lots of beautiful natural resources. We should protect them, but we still should capitalize on our resources," Lahti added, "so we can use the money that's derived from them for jobs as well as taxes -- and pay for our services."
On the local Hancock issue of Government Lot 5 and whether or not the mouth of Swedetown Creek should be preserved as a park or sold for residential housing and taxes, Lahti said it's up to the City of Hancock to decide; but he has enjoyed the sandy area at the mouth of the creek.
"I've been there many times, as a kid and even as a grownup," he said. "That little area -- to protect it would be fine."
Alternative energy, public transit good for future
Commenting on the future effects of the increasing cost of gas and energy, Lahti said he was familiar with some of the sustainability ideas being suggested by local citizens' groups -- community gardens, highway and street plans that encourage biking and walking, wind and solar energy projects and more public transportation.
"Those are good grass-roots ideas," he said.
Lahti said he was in favor of public transit such as Houghton's and Hancock's.
"There may be a lot of people staying in apartments," he noted, "because of being close to downtown -- for the walkability and being close to public transportation."
He believes more people will soon be making sure their houses are energy-efficient. Lahti said he thinks there is a future for solar and wind energy in the U.P. as well.
"I've started enjoying turbines on the horizon," he said of some wind turbines he observed near Sault Ste. Marie, Canada. "I think the turbines are fine. I think solar energy as an alternative is fine."
Lahti said he also liked what the Smurfit-Stone Container Co. of Ontonagon is doing with their waste sludge -- selling it as biomass for the Warden Station, a power plant in L'Anse. He said he also learned just recently that Mascoma is planning on putting the first biomass-to-ethanol plant in the state somewhere in northern Michigan.
Lahti supports Stupak, Obama
Lahti said he is supportive of Congressman Bart Stupak's campaign for re-election.
"I think he's a hard worker," Lahti said. "He's got a lot of years now. His seniority is good, and he can be even more effective for his district. He's a fighter for us."
He added he is also supportive of Barack Obama as Democratic candidate for U.S. President.
"I like his character," Lahti said. "He initially didn't throw his minister under a bus (didn't leave the minister's church) -- until his minister wouldn't shut up."
Lahti said he believes Obama is very thoughtful in his decisions.
"He doesn't fly off the handle, and he exudes confidence," Lahti said, "People feel confident in him. I think he'd do a good job for the country."
Lahti said he was not too familiar with the platform of his Republican opponent, John Larson, who is both pro-life and pro-gun rights. While Lahti is pro-life because of his opposition to abortion, he is not opposed to family planning. As a hunter, he supports gun rights. He's also a fisherman but, with his busy schedule, has too little time for fishing.
To learn more about State Representative Mike Lahti, visit his Web site at http://110.housedems.com/
To see a map of Michigan's District 110, click here.
You can contact Rep. Mike Lahti by calling him toll-free at 888-663-4031 or by emailing mikelahti@house.mi.gov.
Editor's Note:
* The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) administers the Smart Zone program. See http://mtecsmart.com/.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Local poets to gather in Eagle River June 20; teachers share poems at MTU workshop
A Summer Solstice Community Poetry Reading will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 20, on the deck at Fitzgerald's Restaurant in Eagle River.* The event is hosted by Matt Seigel with music by Erin Smith, Linsday Elect and more.
If the weather is more like winter solstice, meet inside the restaurant. For more information about the reading, contact Matt Seigel (mbseigel@mtu.edu) or Erin Smith (smitherin@mtu.edu) and check out http://composing.org/poetry/ for upcoming events.
On the above Web site, the collection of posters announcing poetry readings is evidence that poets are alive and well in the Keweenaw community and that local cafés and restaurants have been welcoming them to read their work for several months. You don't have to be a poet to join them and listen, whether or not you drink coffee.
Teachers share poems at MTU workshop
A few weeks ago, in May, the Copper Country Reading Council and the Department of Humanities at Michigan Tech University hosted a free Poetry Celebration and Workshop for poets, teachers and community members in the Walker Arts and Humanities Center on campus. Participants read some of their own poetry or works by their favorite poets.
Evelyn Johnson, Copper Country Reading Council president and Michigan Tech University instructor in teacher education, welcomes participants to the Poetry Celebration and Workshop in the Walker Arts and Humanities Center on the MTU campus last month. (Photo © 2008 Michele Bourdieu)
Julie Antilla, who teaches Advanced Placement English to seniors at Houghton High School, read poems by three of her students, who recently graduated: Daniel Woodford, Emily Van Dam and Minori Wisti. Keweenaw Now requested permission to publish Ms. Wisti's poem, "What is Poetry?" We received the permission and share it here with our readers:
"What is Poetry?" by Minori Wisti
Poetry is not you; it is not me
this is not poetry
Poetry is an angry mob,
confused strangers,
a whittled sob.
A paper plane;
salt and pepper,
a movie star,
a loney leper.
Poetry is taking flight
Poetry is losing sight
and stealing it back again
Poetry is a bipolar friend.
Poetry is ugly, stupid,
insufficient in its home.
It hates me, slaps me
in the face and leaves me
standing all alone.
And then it turns its clever head
to put me on a pedestal
Poetry is what I eat
because poetry is edible.
Poetry is standing up
and making it okay
to take "the road less traveled by"
or sing out loud all day.
But none of this is poetry.
Poetry has no definition
If poetry were confined to these
where do you think our minds would be?
We certainly would not be free.
Minori Wisti graduated from Houghton High on May 25, 2008. She plans to attend the University of Michigan and to study creative writing.
Julie Antilla, Houghton High School teacher of English, reads poems written by some of her students during the Poetry Celebration and Workshop at Michigan Tech in May. (Photo © 2008 Michele Bourdieu)
Another one of Antilla's students, Cutter Hurst, attended the workshop and read one of his original poems.
At the MTU workshop, Evelyn Johnson, Copper Country Reading Council president and MTU instructor in teacher education, along with faculty from the MTU Humanities Department, invited local teachers to share ideas on teaching poetry. Several of the participants joined in a discussion of whether the inspiration to write is natural.
Evelyn Johnson reads a poem by Debbie Mues, a CLK (Calumet) teacher and artist who was unable to attend the workshop. Also pictured is Jane de Martini a Tamarack City resident, who later read a selection from Billy Collins, American poet laureate. (Photo © 2008 Michele Bourdieu)
"All people are inherently creative," Evelyn Johnson said.
She noted students can be nurtured with reading and playing with language.
For Randy Freisinger, award-winning poet and professor of English in the MTU Humanities Department, the pleasures of poetry begin in elementary school. He emphasized the "play" aspects of poetry.
"Writing," Freisinger said, "is really playing with some of the ingredients of a poem."
Randy Freisinger, award-winning poet and MTU Humanities professor, reads his poem, "Cursing the Death," winner of a Reader's Choice award. The poem is about deaf children who visited his school when he was a teenager. (Photo © 2008 Michele Bourdieu)
Freisinger said poetry includes the pleasure of song and dance -- a poem finding its own rhythm, its own voice. He said writing poetry gives one the pleasure of connecting with the reader as well as the pleasure of surprise for oneself.
"I wouldn't write if it weren't going to hold surprise for me," he explained.
He read his recent, award-winning poem, "Cursing the Death," a memory of deaf children visiting his school when he was a teenager, and also a Chinese poem from the ninth century, "Madly Singing in the Mountains."
Ciro Sandoval, MTU professor of Spanish, read, in translation, selections from poetry by Nicanor Parra, a mathematician and poet of Chile, and Nicolás Guillén, an Afro-Cuban poet.
Poems of Pablo Neruda, Anne Sexton and Rainer Maria Rilke were the favorites that Robert Johnson, Humanities Department Chair, selected to read at the event.
Robert Johnson, MTU Humanities Department Chair, reads selections from some of his favorite poems at the poetry workshop. These included Pablo Neruda's "Ode to Common Things," "Ode to an Artichoke" and "Ode to French Fries." (Photo © 2008 Michele Bourdieu)
Veronica Horning, a teacher from Carmen Ainsworth High School in Flint, Mich., now on child care leave in Houghton, discussed how she gets her students interested in poetry. First she assigns them a research project in which they choose a poet from a list, do research on the poet and put together a Power Point presentation on the poet for the class.
Veronica Horning, an English teacher from Carmen Ainsworth High School in Flint, presents her methodology for teaching poetry during the poetry workshop at MTU last May. Pictured at left is Evelyn Johnson, Copper Country Reading Council president and MTU instructor in teacher education. (Photo © 2008 Michele Bourdieu)
Several community members also attended the workshop and read their own poems or selections from favorite poets.
Tom Blessing of Calumet reads one of his own poems during the poetry workshop at MTU in May. (Photo © 2008 Michele Bourdieu)
"It's delightful to find the creative talent in this northwoods pocket," said Paula Thomas, a journalist and poet who is a seasonal resident of Calumet and Sacramento, Calif.
Thomas read two of her own poems, "One Moment, which she wrote while traveling in London, England, and "Selecting a Reader." Thomas is also writing a historical novel.
Paula Thomas, a journalist and poet from Calumet and Sacramento, Calif., reads two of her own poems during the MTU workshop. (Photo © 2008 Michele Bourdieu)
Jeff Juntunen, an MTU graduate from Hancock, also attended the event.
"I like writing," he said. "I'm glad I came."
*For more information about the Eagle River Inn and Fitzgerald's, visit http://www.eagleriverinn.com/2/eagle/fitz.html
If the weather is more like winter solstice, meet inside the restaurant. For more information about the reading, contact Matt Seigel (mbseigel@mtu.edu) or Erin Smith (smitherin@mtu.edu) and check out http://composing.org/poetry/ for upcoming events.
On the above Web site, the collection of posters announcing poetry readings is evidence that poets are alive and well in the Keweenaw community and that local cafés and restaurants have been welcoming them to read their work for several months. You don't have to be a poet to join them and listen, whether or not you drink coffee.
Teachers share poems at MTU workshop
A few weeks ago, in May, the Copper Country Reading Council and the Department of Humanities at Michigan Tech University hosted a free Poetry Celebration and Workshop for poets, teachers and community members in the Walker Arts and Humanities Center on campus. Participants read some of their own poetry or works by their favorite poets.
Evelyn Johnson, Copper Country Reading Council president and Michigan Tech University instructor in teacher education, welcomes participants to the Poetry Celebration and Workshop in the Walker Arts and Humanities Center on the MTU campus last month. (Photo © 2008 Michele Bourdieu)Julie Antilla, who teaches Advanced Placement English to seniors at Houghton High School, read poems by three of her students, who recently graduated: Daniel Woodford, Emily Van Dam and Minori Wisti. Keweenaw Now requested permission to publish Ms. Wisti's poem, "What is Poetry?" We received the permission and share it here with our readers:
"What is Poetry?" by Minori Wisti
Poetry is not you; it is not me
this is not poetry
Poetry is an angry mob,
confused strangers,
a whittled sob.
A paper plane;
salt and pepper,
a movie star,
a loney leper.
Poetry is taking flight
Poetry is losing sight
and stealing it back again
Poetry is a bipolar friend.
Poetry is ugly, stupid,
insufficient in its home.
It hates me, slaps me
in the face and leaves me
standing all alone.
And then it turns its clever head
to put me on a pedestal
Poetry is what I eat
because poetry is edible.
Poetry is standing up
and making it okay
to take "the road less traveled by"
or sing out loud all day.
But none of this is poetry.
Poetry has no definition
If poetry were confined to these
where do you think our minds would be?
We certainly would not be free.
Minori Wisti graduated from Houghton High on May 25, 2008. She plans to attend the University of Michigan and to study creative writing.
Julie Antilla, Houghton High School teacher of English, reads poems written by some of her students during the Poetry Celebration and Workshop at Michigan Tech in May. (Photo © 2008 Michele Bourdieu)Another one of Antilla's students, Cutter Hurst, attended the workshop and read one of his original poems.
At the MTU workshop, Evelyn Johnson, Copper Country Reading Council president and MTU instructor in teacher education, along with faculty from the MTU Humanities Department, invited local teachers to share ideas on teaching poetry. Several of the participants joined in a discussion of whether the inspiration to write is natural.
Evelyn Johnson reads a poem by Debbie Mues, a CLK (Calumet) teacher and artist who was unable to attend the workshop. Also pictured is Jane de Martini a Tamarack City resident, who later read a selection from Billy Collins, American poet laureate. (Photo © 2008 Michele Bourdieu)"All people are inherently creative," Evelyn Johnson said.
She noted students can be nurtured with reading and playing with language.
For Randy Freisinger, award-winning poet and professor of English in the MTU Humanities Department, the pleasures of poetry begin in elementary school. He emphasized the "play" aspects of poetry.
"Writing," Freisinger said, "is really playing with some of the ingredients of a poem."
Randy Freisinger, award-winning poet and MTU Humanities professor, reads his poem, "Cursing the Death," winner of a Reader's Choice award. The poem is about deaf children who visited his school when he was a teenager. (Photo © 2008 Michele Bourdieu)Freisinger said poetry includes the pleasure of song and dance -- a poem finding its own rhythm, its own voice. He said writing poetry gives one the pleasure of connecting with the reader as well as the pleasure of surprise for oneself.
"I wouldn't write if it weren't going to hold surprise for me," he explained.
He read his recent, award-winning poem, "Cursing the Death," a memory of deaf children visiting his school when he was a teenager, and also a Chinese poem from the ninth century, "Madly Singing in the Mountains."
Ciro Sandoval, MTU professor of Spanish, read, in translation, selections from poetry by Nicanor Parra, a mathematician and poet of Chile, and Nicolás Guillén, an Afro-Cuban poet.
Poems of Pablo Neruda, Anne Sexton and Rainer Maria Rilke were the favorites that Robert Johnson, Humanities Department Chair, selected to read at the event.
Robert Johnson, MTU Humanities Department Chair, reads selections from some of his favorite poems at the poetry workshop. These included Pablo Neruda's "Ode to Common Things," "Ode to an Artichoke" and "Ode to French Fries." (Photo © 2008 Michele Bourdieu)Veronica Horning, a teacher from Carmen Ainsworth High School in Flint, Mich., now on child care leave in Houghton, discussed how she gets her students interested in poetry. First she assigns them a research project in which they choose a poet from a list, do research on the poet and put together a Power Point presentation on the poet for the class.
Veronica Horning, an English teacher from Carmen Ainsworth High School in Flint, presents her methodology for teaching poetry during the poetry workshop at MTU last May. Pictured at left is Evelyn Johnson, Copper Country Reading Council president and MTU instructor in teacher education. (Photo © 2008 Michele Bourdieu)Several community members also attended the workshop and read their own poems or selections from favorite poets.
Tom Blessing of Calumet reads one of his own poems during the poetry workshop at MTU in May. (Photo © 2008 Michele Bourdieu)"It's delightful to find the creative talent in this northwoods pocket," said Paula Thomas, a journalist and poet who is a seasonal resident of Calumet and Sacramento, Calif.
Thomas read two of her own poems, "One Moment, which she wrote while traveling in London, England, and "Selecting a Reader." Thomas is also writing a historical novel.
Paula Thomas, a journalist and poet from Calumet and Sacramento, Calif., reads two of her own poems during the MTU workshop. (Photo © 2008 Michele Bourdieu)Jeff Juntunen, an MTU graduate from Hancock, also attended the event.
"I like writing," he said. "I'm glad I came."
*For more information about the Eagle River Inn and Fitzgerald's, visit http://www.eagleriverinn.com/2/eagle/fitz.html
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Beautifully Mundane: Interview with Composer Scott Flavin, Bergonzi String Quartet violinist
By Mick McKellar*
I recently interviewed Scott Flavin, Director of the Frost Chamber Orchestra and the UM Baroque Ensemble and Professor of Violin at the University of Miami (FL). Mr. Flavin plays second violin with the Bergonzi String Quartet, a cornerstone of the Pine Mountain Music Festival for the past 13 years. In their 14th appearance in the Festival, the quartet will present the world premiere of Scott Flavin's composition: Beautifully Mundane.
Scott Flavin, composer and Bergonzi String Quartet violinist. In their 14th Pine Mountain Music Festival appearance, the Bergonzi String Quartet will perform the world premiere of Beautifully Mundane, Flavin's original composition. Their Houghton performance will be June 30 at the Rozsa Center. (Photo courtesy Pine Mountain Music Festival)
Intrigued by this new chamber piece with the exotic name, which also involves a video projector and a screen, I contacted the composer for some details.
(McKellar) Mr. Flavin, would you please describe the genesis for Beautifully Mundane?
(Flavin) Beautifully Mundane developed out of an idea I had of mixing two art forms: in this case, cinematography and live string quartet music. My concept was to allow both forms to be as equal as possible, not just to make "movie music" in the background, but by utilizing a film without sound, to present both on equal footing. Live string quartet performance is visually quite interesting, especially the physical interplay between the four string instruments; and I think the parallels with film are fascinating.
(McKellar) Is Heili Basham related to Glenn Basham, and how does her film relate to your composition?
(Flavin) Heili Basham is a daughter of Bergonzi Quartet violinist Glenn Basham, and is a talented graduate film student at the University of Miami. I asked her to put together a short (under 15-minute) silent film, either with or without a plot, but utilizing visually striking elements; and she did a really great job of it.
(McKellar) Over time, the word mundane has accumulated shades of meaning that speak to the average or boring aspects of activities or things, but its roots pertain to worldly and earthly things. How does your composition define the beauty in the mundane; and is there a story in this piece that you would like the audience to take with them from the composition, the film and the performance?
(Flavin) The "mundane" in Beautifully Mundane refers to the everyday routine of our lives, and the beauty and/or meaning we can find in that routine. The film shows everyday people at work, going through their lives. I think the images in this film can mean many different things to different people, and that indefinable emotional connection makes this project so interesting to me.
(McKellar) Is this combination of multimedia (video, graphics, etc.) and live performance intended only for live performance or will it develop into something more? Also, is this a new direction for chamber music and a natural progression for the genre?
(Flavin) My intent in creating this project was mainly for live performance. I am fascinated at the idea of combining a film with a live musical performance, with all its quirks and (hopefully) spontaneous magic. There are some inherent difficulties in synchronizing live music with film, which presents a great challenge, though most of the music is designed to enhance a given atmosphere rather than mimic exactly what is on the screen.
My colleagues in the Bergonzi Quartet and I are continually interested in opening up the string quartet genre to as many new people as we can; this is music that we believe in, and have committed our lives to presenting. Hopefully, adding an extra visual element to our performance may encourage those who have never been to a chamber music concert to "take the plunge" and see that, rather than being a "snobbish" art form, our music, and the way we present it, is relevant across the centuries and through each generation of listeners. Heck, it's even fun!
(McKellar) Is this a new direction for you personally, or an interesting side track on your musical journey?
(Flavin) Composition is a new area for me. As a musician I've been exposed to some of the most noted composers and their work, and as an arranger I've begun to grow more comfortable in trusting my "inner ear," so perhaps the time is right. I also have been and continue to be inspired and supported by my dear colleagues in the Bergonzi Quartet; their generosity in tackling the compositional idiosyncrasies of their second violinist is staggering, yet totally within their character.
On a personal note, I feel so honored to be presenting the world premiere of this work in the UP, as there are such wonderful, supportive audiences there.
The Bergonzi String Quartet will perform during the Pine Mountain Music Festival on June 25, 2008, at Immaculate Conception Church in Iron Mountain; on June 28 at Reynolds Recital Hall in Marquette; and on June 30 at the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts in Houghton.
All performances are at 7:30 p.m., and tickets are available by calling the Rozsa Center Box Office at 877-746-3999 (toll free) or 906-487-3200. For information on local ticket outlets, visit www.pmmf.org. Tickets will be available at the door. Cost is $20 for adults and $10 for students/children. This year's Bergonzi String Quartet performances are sponsored by The Boldt Company and The Blodgett Foundation.
*Editor's Note: Guest writer Mick McKellar is Marketing and Development Associate for the Pine Mountain Music Festival.
I recently interviewed Scott Flavin, Director of the Frost Chamber Orchestra and the UM Baroque Ensemble and Professor of Violin at the University of Miami (FL). Mr. Flavin plays second violin with the Bergonzi String Quartet, a cornerstone of the Pine Mountain Music Festival for the past 13 years. In their 14th appearance in the Festival, the quartet will present the world premiere of Scott Flavin's composition: Beautifully Mundane.
Scott Flavin, composer and Bergonzi String Quartet violinist. In their 14th Pine Mountain Music Festival appearance, the Bergonzi String Quartet will perform the world premiere of Beautifully Mundane, Flavin's original composition. Their Houghton performance will be June 30 at the Rozsa Center. (Photo courtesy Pine Mountain Music Festival)Intrigued by this new chamber piece with the exotic name, which also involves a video projector and a screen, I contacted the composer for some details.
(McKellar) Mr. Flavin, would you please describe the genesis for Beautifully Mundane?
(Flavin) Beautifully Mundane developed out of an idea I had of mixing two art forms: in this case, cinematography and live string quartet music. My concept was to allow both forms to be as equal as possible, not just to make "movie music" in the background, but by utilizing a film without sound, to present both on equal footing. Live string quartet performance is visually quite interesting, especially the physical interplay between the four string instruments; and I think the parallels with film are fascinating.
(McKellar) Is Heili Basham related to Glenn Basham, and how does her film relate to your composition?
(Flavin) Heili Basham is a daughter of Bergonzi Quartet violinist Glenn Basham, and is a talented graduate film student at the University of Miami. I asked her to put together a short (under 15-minute) silent film, either with or without a plot, but utilizing visually striking elements; and she did a really great job of it.
(McKellar) Over time, the word mundane has accumulated shades of meaning that speak to the average or boring aspects of activities or things, but its roots pertain to worldly and earthly things. How does your composition define the beauty in the mundane; and is there a story in this piece that you would like the audience to take with them from the composition, the film and the performance?
(Flavin) The "mundane" in Beautifully Mundane refers to the everyday routine of our lives, and the beauty and/or meaning we can find in that routine. The film shows everyday people at work, going through their lives. I think the images in this film can mean many different things to different people, and that indefinable emotional connection makes this project so interesting to me.
(McKellar) Is this combination of multimedia (video, graphics, etc.) and live performance intended only for live performance or will it develop into something more? Also, is this a new direction for chamber music and a natural progression for the genre?
(Flavin) My intent in creating this project was mainly for live performance. I am fascinated at the idea of combining a film with a live musical performance, with all its quirks and (hopefully) spontaneous magic. There are some inherent difficulties in synchronizing live music with film, which presents a great challenge, though most of the music is designed to enhance a given atmosphere rather than mimic exactly what is on the screen.
My colleagues in the Bergonzi Quartet and I are continually interested in opening up the string quartet genre to as many new people as we can; this is music that we believe in, and have committed our lives to presenting. Hopefully, adding an extra visual element to our performance may encourage those who have never been to a chamber music concert to "take the plunge" and see that, rather than being a "snobbish" art form, our music, and the way we present it, is relevant across the centuries and through each generation of listeners. Heck, it's even fun!
(McKellar) Is this a new direction for you personally, or an interesting side track on your musical journey?
(Flavin) Composition is a new area for me. As a musician I've been exposed to some of the most noted composers and their work, and as an arranger I've begun to grow more comfortable in trusting my "inner ear," so perhaps the time is right. I also have been and continue to be inspired and supported by my dear colleagues in the Bergonzi Quartet; their generosity in tackling the compositional idiosyncrasies of their second violinist is staggering, yet totally within their character.
On a personal note, I feel so honored to be presenting the world premiere of this work in the UP, as there are such wonderful, supportive audiences there.
The Bergonzi String Quartet will perform during the Pine Mountain Music Festival on June 25, 2008, at Immaculate Conception Church in Iron Mountain; on June 28 at Reynolds Recital Hall in Marquette; and on June 30 at the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts in Houghton.
All performances are at 7:30 p.m., and tickets are available by calling the Rozsa Center Box Office at 877-746-3999 (toll free) or 906-487-3200. For information on local ticket outlets, visit www.pmmf.org. Tickets will be available at the door. Cost is $20 for adults and $10 for students/children. This year's Bergonzi String Quartet performances are sponsored by The Boldt Company and The Blodgett Foundation.
*Editor's Note: Guest writer Mick McKellar is Marketing and Development Associate for the Pine Mountain Music Festival.
Recycle unwanted electronics items June 21 in Hancock
HANCOCK -- The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) will collect unwanted, outdated or non-working household electronics items from 9 a.m. to noon this Saturday, June 21, at the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department (540 Depot St., a block south of eastbound US 41) in Hancock.
Among the items accepted for a small fee are computers and accessories, microwave ovens, stereos, TVs and monitors, DVD players, VCRs, cordless phones, and electronic ballasts (all $0.10/lb.); fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent bulbs ($0.50 each); alkaline batteries ($0.85/lb.). Rechargeable batteries and cell phones with batteries are free.
For more details, see www.wupdhd.org/rsvp/e-waste.html or call Barb Maronen at the health department (482-7382). If you miss this opportunity, don't panic! There will be a collection July 12 in Baraga County (location TBA) and another collection in Houghton County this fall.
There is concern that the transition to digital TV in February 2009 may result in people prematurely discarding analog televisions in the mistaken belief that they will no longer work. Only analog TVs that receive signals via rooftop or "rabbit ears" antennas will require converter boxes -- and a government-sponsored $40 coupon program is available to help pay for up to two boxes per household: Visit www.dtv2009.gov or call 1-888-388-2009. Cable and satellite TV subscribers can continue to use their existing TVs, even if they aren't digital-ready models.
For more information visit www.dtv.gov/consumercorner.html.
Please note that this opportunity does not apply to Michigan Tech University-owned electronics, which are recycled through the University's e-waste program.
Among the items accepted for a small fee are computers and accessories, microwave ovens, stereos, TVs and monitors, DVD players, VCRs, cordless phones, and electronic ballasts (all $0.10/lb.); fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent bulbs ($0.50 each); alkaline batteries ($0.85/lb.). Rechargeable batteries and cell phones with batteries are free.
For more details, see www.wupdhd.org/rsvp/e-waste.html or call Barb Maronen at the health department (482-7382). If you miss this opportunity, don't panic! There will be a collection July 12 in Baraga County (location TBA) and another collection in Houghton County this fall.
There is concern that the transition to digital TV in February 2009 may result in people prematurely discarding analog televisions in the mistaken belief that they will no longer work. Only analog TVs that receive signals via rooftop or "rabbit ears" antennas will require converter boxes -- and a government-sponsored $40 coupon program is available to help pay for up to two boxes per household: Visit www.dtv2009.gov or call 1-888-388-2009. Cable and satellite TV subscribers can continue to use their existing TVs, even if they aren't digital-ready models.
For more information visit www.dtv.gov/consumercorner.html.
Please note that this opportunity does not apply to Michigan Tech University-owned electronics, which are recycled through the University's e-waste program.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Hancock takes second consecutive Cardboard Boat Regatta victory
By Michele and Gustavo Bourdieu
Boy Scouts of Houghton Troop 208 clash with crew members of the City of Hancock boat during the final heat of the 2008 Cardboard Boat Regatta on June 15 during Bridgefest. (Photo © 2008 Gustavo Bourdieu)
Boy Scouts of Houghton Troop 208 clash with crew members of the City of Hancock boat during the final heat of the 2008 Cardboard Boat Regatta on June 15 during Bridgefest. (Photo © 2008 Gustavo Bourdieu)HOUGHTON -- The City of Hancock won first place in the (age) 12-and-over division of the Pirates of the Keweenaw Cardboard Boat Regatta, defeating the Houghton Boy Scout Troop 208, second place, and their rival City of Houghton, third place, during Bridgefest on Sunday, June 15.
"We defended our title," said Hancock City Manager Glenn Anderson of the second victory in a row for the City's boat, which defeated the Smart Park in the 2007 Regatta.
Asked why the Smart Park sailors didn't show up to challenge the City again, Anderson replied, "They got dumb this year."*
The Boy Scouts gave both cities a run for the money in three heats of the race, improving their skills in negotiating the buoys each time.
Boy Scouts of Houghton Troop 208 line up with their boat, Ducky Slayer, before the first heat of the 2008 Pirates of Keweenaw Cardboard Boat Regatta. (Photo © 2008 Gustavo Bourdieu)Thunder and lightning on Sunday morning caused just a slight delay in the start of the races. Fortunately, the weather cleared up shortly after 10 a.m. A good-size crowd of fans cheered their favorites at Houghton Beach on the Portage Lake Ship Canal.
The younger, under-12, competitors began the race with one- and two-person boats. Elo Wittig of Chassell, whose Dad, Robert Wittig, built his #4 boat out of a refrigerator box, won first place paddling solo against Zakris Sotirin-Miller.** Zakris built his boat with the help of Peter Rowe (who did not compete in the race) in the ACE (Athletic Conditioning and Exercise) program at Keweenaw Memorial Fitness Center in Houghton.
Before the race, Zakris Sotirin-Miller poses with his boat, built with the help of Peter Rowe, in the ACE (Athletic Conditioning and Exercise) program at the Keweenaw Memorial Fitness Center in Houghton. (Photo © 2008 Michele Bourdieu)Emily Johnson, fitness coordinator at the Center, said the program runs five days a week after school and is designed especially for middle- and high school students not involved in other sports.
"We get them interested in different sports -- outdoor and indoor," Johnson said.
The sports include biking and a mini-triathlon of rowing, biking and running, she added.
"We chose the Boat Regatta because it's a team-building activity and a lot of fun for the kids," Johnson noted.
Zakris Sotirin-Miller, in boat in foreground, and Elo Wittig set out for one of the first races for younger competitors as Houghton City Manager Scott MacInnes, one of the organizers of the event, supervises. (Photo © 2008 Michele Bourdieu)Patti Sotirin said the experience of building the boat in the ACE program was great for her son, Zakris.
"It really built self-confidence for Zakris," Sotirin said.
Zakris holds on to his overturned boat as one of the race monitors swims out to the rescue. (Photo © 2008 Michele Bourdieu) 
Elo Wittig paddles his cardboard kayak, Deep Six, to victory. (Photo © 2008 Michele Bourdieu) Zakris was still smiling when his boat overturned. Maybe half the fun is getting wet.
"Well, it didn't sink," his Mom, Patti, noted. "It just tipped over."
Another boat in the competition for younger sailors was the SS Ship, which one the prize for best-decorated boat, with its colorful pirate crew, Brian Milligan and Adam Drelich, both of Houghton.
Pirates Brian Milligan and Adam Drelich round a buoy during the first heat of the competition for younger sailors. Their creation, the SS Ship, won an award for best-decorated boat and came in second in their division. A safety monitor, right, is close at hand -- just in case. (Photo © 2008 Michele Bourdieu)"We did it all by ourselves," Brian said of building the prize-winning boat, which also came in second in its division.
Some of the boats that didn't quite survive are dragged up on the beach. (Photo © 2008 Gustavo Bourdieu)
How many sailors are in this little blue boat? They must be vying for the prize of "best sinking." The Coast Guard and race monitor are checking them out. (Photo © 2008 Gustavo Bourdieu)In the over-12 division, after three crowd-pleasing heats around the buoys, Hancock finally claimed victory over the Boy Scouts and the City of Houghton. Here are some highlights:
Hancock, left, Houghton, center, and Houghton Boy Scout Troop 208 set out for one of the championship heats. (Photo © 2008 Gustavo Bourdieu)Bob Emmert, Boy Scout Troop 208 scoutmaster, and Leonard Bohmann, assistant scoutmaster, were on hand to assist the scouts with launching the boat. Bohmann said the scouts' boat, Ducky Slayer, was built mostly in one week.
"We had to wait until school was out," Bohmann noted.
Heading for a buoy, the Boy Scouts' boat, Ducky Slayer, chases Hancock's boat, Re-Loaded. The Portage Lift Bridge, namesake for the annual Bridgefest celebration, is in the background. (Photo © 2008 Michele Bourdieu)
The late Bill Blumhardt, former Houghton city councilor, designed and helped build the City of Houghton boat, "DC Love VII." On the side of the boat is written, "Design by and in memory of Bill Blumhardt." (Photo © 2008 Michele Bourdieu)
Boy Scouts of Troop 208 negotiate a buoy as they paddle hard in competition with veteran sailors in the Hancock and Houghton boats. (Photo © 2008 Michele Bourdieu)
Hancock takes the lead in the final heat against the Boy Scouts and the City of Houghton. A closer look suggests some pushing and pulling was going on! (Photo © 2008 Gustavo Bourdieu)This video clip shows some of the final heat of the race, and the victory of the City of Hancock's Re-Loaded, a boat built with the help of the Houghton crew in 2007.* (Video clip © 2008 Michele Bourdieu)
Editor's Notes: * See Keweenaw Now's photo essay of the 2007 Cardboard Boat Regatta on our archived Web site. You'll find some of the same competitiors. Track their progress!
** The Wittigs also competed last year, but their boat design has improved.
To learn more about Bridgefest, check out their Web site.
Editor's Notes: * See Keweenaw Now's photo essay of the 2007 Cardboard Boat Regatta on our archived Web site. You'll find some of the same competitiors. Track their progress!
** The Wittigs also competed last year, but their boat design has improved.
To learn more about Bridgefest, check out their Web site.
Park invites public to tour Quincy Mine site, seeks input
Part of the landscape of the Quincy Mine site, a unit of Keweenaw National Historical Park, is seen here in this view from the No. 2 Shaft. Click on photo for larger image. (Photo courtesy Keweenaw National Historical Park)CALUMET -- Keweenaw National Historical Park (KNHP) invites the public to a presentation of Part One of the "Quincy Cultural Landscape Report and Environmental Assessment" (CLR/EA) from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18, at the Quincy-Franklin Firehall on Quincy Hill (US-41). The informational meeting will be followed by a tour of the Quincy site, hosted by the Quincy Mine Hoist Association, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and a CLR Open House back at the Quincy-Franklin Firehall from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The presentation will provide an overview of the CLR, which contains historic research and documentation of the Quincy landscape over time, inventory and mapping of existing conditions and an analysis of landscape character and integrity. This report is the result of a collaborative effort by park staff and a consulting team from Quinn Evans | Architects and Woolpert, LLC.
The public is invited to join staff from the park and the Quincy Mine Hoist Association for a tour of the Quincy site, which will provide an opportunity to explore some less familiar features of this historic cultural landscape.
The Open House will provide an opportunity for public input. Environmental assessment, in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, is an important component of this project, and one where public input is of high value to the process. Environmental assessment considers the effect and impact of any action on the overall human environment, including the natural, built, tribal, economic and social environments. The careful consideration of treatment alternatives will lead the way to a recommended treatment plan, which will guide National Park Service efforts in the Quincy area well into the future. Public involvement is important to the success of this project.
The project team welcomes discussion and comments from all interested parties. Please contact KNHP Landscape Architect Steve DeLong, ASLA at 337-1104 x 122 if you wish to know more about the CLR/EA effort, or if you have information to share regarding the history or management of the Quincy Unit. The park looks forward to public participation at the meetings.
Editor's Note: For a map of the Quincy Mine unit visit the KNHP Web site brochure page and click on the KNHP Map and Guide (in pdf format).
Thursday, June 05, 2008
New ballast treatment could help shield Lake Superior from deadly fish disease
Great Lakes cargo ship. (Photo courtesy Michigan Sea Grant. Reprinted with permission from Michigan Technological University.)By Jennifer Donovan
HOUGHTON -- A Michigan Technological University professor has developed a new water treatment that could help keep a deadly fish disease out of Lake Superior.
David Hand, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Michigan Tech, has devised a simple way to treat ballast water in vessels ranging from pleasure craft to ore boats. His method is designed to kill the virus that causes viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS), an often-fatal disease that has been attacking fish populations in the lower Great Lakes.
Hand's treatment is simple. The ballast water is disinfected with sodium hypochlorite -- ordinary household bleach. Then it is treated with ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, which neutralizes the bleach before the water is released into the lake.
With good initial results, Hand has tested his method on the Ranger III, a National Park Service vessel that shuttles visitors and staff between the mainland and Isle Royale National Park ...
Click here to read the rest of this article, published June 4, 2008, on the Michigan Tech Web site.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Ed Gray Gallery to present two Keweenaw art exhibits
By Michele Bourdieu
CALUMET -- The Ed Gray Gallery in Calumet will feature two one-person art exhibits by Keweenaw artists in June and July.
"A Pleasant Peninsula" -- a one-person show by Calumet artist Jack Oyler will open with a reception from 6:30 p. m. to 9 p. m. on Friday, June 6, in the Gallery at 109 Fifth St., Calumet. This exhibit will continue through June 22.
"Crow is sleeping" is the title of this painting by Calumet artist Jack Oyler. It is part of the upcoming exhibit, "A Pleasant Peninsula," opening Friday, June 6, in the Ed Gray Gallery in Calumet. In his artist's statement, Oyler writes, "This year, there aren't as many crows but the crows that are still around have more interesting lives." (Photo courtesy Ed Gray Gallery. Reprinted with permission.)
The second exhibit, "Keweenaw Full Circle," oil and watercolor paintings by Kenneth Koskela, originally of Laurium, will open on Friday, June 27, and continue through July 27. An opening reception will be held from 6:30 p. m. to 9 p. m. on Friday, June 27.
These paintings by Kenneth Koskela can be seen now in the Ed Gray Gallery in Calumet. "Keweenaw Full Circle," a one-person exhibit of Koskela's work, opens June 27. (Photo © 2008 Gustavo Bourdieu)
"I have been enamored of the work of both of these artists," said Gallery owner Ed Gray, "because of the quality of their work and their humor -- not only in the paintings but also in the titles."
Calumet native Jack Oyler is a self-taught painter whose works have been widely exhibited across the Upper Peninsula.
These are some of Jack Oyler's paintings for his one-person exhibit, "A Pleasant Peninsula," opening Friday, June 6, in the Ed Gray Gallery in Calumet. (Photo © 2008 Gustavo Bourdieu)
"For the last year or so, I've been working on making my paintings smaller and simpler," Oyler notes. "Other than that, the only new element I'm using is Plastic, which seems full of possibilities for representation."
Artist Kenneth Koskela explains the title of his exhibit, "Keweenaw Full Circle," in his autobiographical artist's statement, in which he describes growing up in Laurium and traveling to many places before returning to the area.
"Life in Laurium was wonderful, long, long ago before noisy passenger jets and their con trails messed up our sky, diesel trains with more noise, 120 mile an hour cars, TV, boom box radios -- all those noise making distractions which came after Madison Avenue and Plastics made all silly desires possible and available," Koskela writes.
Koskela is nostalgic about the good life in those good old days -- "a farmer with a horse and wagon delivered fresh milk in bottles to the back door each morning, steam locomotives AKA Pumper Bellies, grand old cars, winter blizzards, outdoor winter ice skating rinks, great displays of The Northern Lights, seeing the Milky Way on moonless nights, sand lot ball games, walking to and from school, 12 cent double feature Saturday movies, 5 cent real ice cream cones, picking wild blue berries for a pie, Doctors making house calls ..."
"Meet the Author Today" is the title of this painting by Kenneth Koskela. The sandstone house of his childhood memories is still standing in Laurium. (Photo courtesy Ed Gray Gallery. Reprinted with permission.)
Koskela recalls a sandstone house, still standing in Laurium, which appears in his painting, "Meet the Author Today": "As I walked to and from school each day, I passed the pink sandstone house on First Street in Laurium four times. It's still one of my favorite buildings. During those years I sketched many of the other outstanding, late, Victorian homes in Laurium -- the remains of the C&H mining days -- each one a jewel of design and detail."
The Ed Gray Gallery and Studio, also known as Miskwabik, is located on historic Fifth Street in Calumet. Ed Gray, former director of the Vertin Gallery and an artist in his own right, moved here a few months ago. In addition, he publishes the Miskwabik Press at this location. The smoke-free building is also equipped with high-speed Internet.
Ed Gray, also known by his Native American name, Jikiwe, at work in his Gallery and Studio at 109 Fifth Street, Calumet. (Photo © 2008 Gustavo Bourdieu)
Gray also has an Artist-in-Residence Program with an Artist Studio/Apartment available for rent on the second floor of the building. The apartment has two large rooms, a kitchen and a bath. It is equipped with high-speed Internet and offers a visiting artist an opportunity to work, attend local events and enjoy the natural beauty of the Keweenaw Peninsula.
The Gallery exhibits a variety of art works in its collection, including some of Gray's own and some by other artists for sale. (Photo © 2008 Gustavo Bourdieu)
Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a. m. to 5 p. m.; Friday, 10 a. m. to 9 p. m.; Saturday, 10 a. m. to 5 p. m.; and Sunday, noon to 5 p. m. For more information about the Miskwabik Ed Gray Gallery and Studio or the exhibits, call 906-337-5970 or visit the Gallery Web site.
CALUMET -- The Ed Gray Gallery in Calumet will feature two one-person art exhibits by Keweenaw artists in June and July.
"A Pleasant Peninsula" -- a one-person show by Calumet artist Jack Oyler will open with a reception from 6:30 p. m. to 9 p. m. on Friday, June 6, in the Gallery at 109 Fifth St., Calumet. This exhibit will continue through June 22.
"Crow is sleeping" is the title of this painting by Calumet artist Jack Oyler. It is part of the upcoming exhibit, "A Pleasant Peninsula," opening Friday, June 6, in the Ed Gray Gallery in Calumet. In his artist's statement, Oyler writes, "This year, there aren't as many crows but the crows that are still around have more interesting lives." (Photo courtesy Ed Gray Gallery. Reprinted with permission.)The second exhibit, "Keweenaw Full Circle," oil and watercolor paintings by Kenneth Koskela, originally of Laurium, will open on Friday, June 27, and continue through July 27. An opening reception will be held from 6:30 p. m. to 9 p. m. on Friday, June 27.
These paintings by Kenneth Koskela can be seen now in the Ed Gray Gallery in Calumet. "Keweenaw Full Circle," a one-person exhibit of Koskela's work, opens June 27. (Photo © 2008 Gustavo Bourdieu)"I have been enamored of the work of both of these artists," said Gallery owner Ed Gray, "because of the quality of their work and their humor -- not only in the paintings but also in the titles."
Calumet native Jack Oyler is a self-taught painter whose works have been widely exhibited across the Upper Peninsula.
These are some of Jack Oyler's paintings for his one-person exhibit, "A Pleasant Peninsula," opening Friday, June 6, in the Ed Gray Gallery in Calumet. (Photo © 2008 Gustavo Bourdieu)"For the last year or so, I've been working on making my paintings smaller and simpler," Oyler notes. "Other than that, the only new element I'm using is Plastic, which seems full of possibilities for representation."
Artist Kenneth Koskela explains the title of his exhibit, "Keweenaw Full Circle," in his autobiographical artist's statement, in which he describes growing up in Laurium and traveling to many places before returning to the area.
"Life in Laurium was wonderful, long, long ago before noisy passenger jets and their con trails messed up our sky, diesel trains with more noise, 120 mile an hour cars, TV, boom box radios -- all those noise making distractions which came after Madison Avenue and Plastics made all silly desires possible and available," Koskela writes.
Koskela is nostalgic about the good life in those good old days -- "a farmer with a horse and wagon delivered fresh milk in bottles to the back door each morning, steam locomotives AKA Pumper Bellies, grand old cars, winter blizzards, outdoor winter ice skating rinks, great displays of The Northern Lights, seeing the Milky Way on moonless nights, sand lot ball games, walking to and from school, 12 cent double feature Saturday movies, 5 cent real ice cream cones, picking wild blue berries for a pie, Doctors making house calls ..."
"Meet the Author Today" is the title of this painting by Kenneth Koskela. The sandstone house of his childhood memories is still standing in Laurium. (Photo courtesy Ed Gray Gallery. Reprinted with permission.)Koskela recalls a sandstone house, still standing in Laurium, which appears in his painting, "Meet the Author Today": "As I walked to and from school each day, I passed the pink sandstone house on First Street in Laurium four times. It's still one of my favorite buildings. During those years I sketched many of the other outstanding, late, Victorian homes in Laurium -- the remains of the C&H mining days -- each one a jewel of design and detail."
The Ed Gray Gallery and Studio, also known as Miskwabik, is located on historic Fifth Street in Calumet. Ed Gray, former director of the Vertin Gallery and an artist in his own right, moved here a few months ago. In addition, he publishes the Miskwabik Press at this location. The smoke-free building is also equipped with high-speed Internet.
Ed Gray, also known by his Native American name, Jikiwe, at work in his Gallery and Studio at 109 Fifth Street, Calumet. (Photo © 2008 Gustavo Bourdieu)Gray also has an Artist-in-Residence Program with an Artist Studio/Apartment available for rent on the second floor of the building. The apartment has two large rooms, a kitchen and a bath. It is equipped with high-speed Internet and offers a visiting artist an opportunity to work, attend local events and enjoy the natural beauty of the Keweenaw Peninsula.
The Gallery exhibits a variety of art works in its collection, including some of Gray's own and some by other artists for sale. (Photo © 2008 Gustavo Bourdieu)Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a. m. to 5 p. m.; Friday, 10 a. m. to 9 p. m.; Saturday, 10 a. m. to 5 p. m.; and Sunday, noon to 5 p. m. For more information about the Miskwabik Ed Gray Gallery and Studio or the exhibits, call 906-337-5970 or visit the Gallery Web site.
Congressman Bart Stupak endorses Senator Barack Obama
WASHINGTON, D. C. -- The following is a statement from Congressman Bart Stupak, released at 10 p.m. EDT, on Tuesday, June 3, 2008:"This has been an historic presidential primary election with phenomenal interest in our Democratic candidates. With the conclusion of today's South Dakota and Montana primaries, all Americans have had an opportunity to make their voices heard at the ballot box. Now that the nation's last primary ballot has been cast and an agreement has been reached to seat Michigan's delegates at the Democratic National Convention, I am proud to pledge my support to Senator Barack Obama's candidacy for President of the United States.
"While I am endorsing Senator Obama tonight, I must acknowledge the spirited and skillful campaign waged by Senator Hillary Clinton. Just as Senator Obama has energized a new group of voters, Senator Clinton's campaign has served as an inspiration to countless Americans. It is clear that she will continue to play a pivotal role in future Democratic Party policy and she will continue to provide inspiration to our sons and our daughters.
"Over the past several weeks I have had an opportunity to speak with Senator Clinton and Senator Obama about issues important to Michigan. I am confident that Senator Obama will provide the leadership necessary to improve our economy, protect our Great Lakes, provide health care for all Americans and put an end to the war in Iraq. I have invited the Senator to campaign with me in northern Michigan and share his vision for change with the people of the First Congressional District.
"One issue has been resoundingly clear throughout this primary process: Americans do not want four more years of the same failed policies that have driven our country deeper into debt and tarnished our reputation in the world. Senator Obama will provide the change we need to get our country back on track to prosperity and prominence."
Editor's Note: View photos of Barack Obama taken during his victory speech June 3, 2008, in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Flickr. Read the text of Obama's speech as prepared for delivery.
Monday, June 02, 2008
Updated: Celebrate spring June 7 at Houghton Art and Music Festival
HOUGHTON -- Celebrate the arrival of spring with the Houghton Spring Art and Music Festival from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 7, on the waterfront near the UPPCO building in downtown Houghton. Now in its seventh year, the Art and Music Festival provides an opportunity to hear live local music and shop at regional artists' booths. The event is free and open to everyone.
Visitors to Houghton's 2007 Art and Music Festival check out booths with exhibits by local artists. (File photo © 2007 Keweenaw Now)
A bike parade will take place at 11:45 a.m. Youth can bring their bikes to the waterfront from 10 a. m. to 11:30 a. m. and decorate them prior to the parade. Family art activities will be held from noon to 3 p. m.
Music starts at noon and goes until 6 p. m. The official band line up includes the New Zeeland Jazz Apples at noon, the Squeaky Clean Cretins at 1 p. m., the On the Spot Blues Band at 2 p. m., Keweenaw Brewgrass at 3 p. m., the Blackflies at 4 p. m. and Hanna Bethel at 5 p. m.
The art fair starts at 11 a. m. and will feature a variety of art and fine craft. Current participating artists include Charles Young: silver jewelry; Dennis Sotala: pottery; Sue Stephens: fiber art-hats, shawls, purses, scarves; Christine Nakkula: paintings, cards; Deb Matthews: cloth dolls; Mark Bukovich: photography; Miram Dobrofsky: pottery; Wendy Johnson and Mojo Staley: natural wood and fabric children’s play things; Kenneth Nara: wildlife and historical drawings; Seri Robinson: wooden bowls and plates; Kris Schourek: photography; Sylvia Schourek: henna tattoos; Brandi Palomaki: polymer clay goods, glass beads; Stacy Karvonen: crocheted animal hats and fiber art; Kevin Maki: rustic furniture; Jeff Massie: photography; Mark Larson: Unkle Ake's Field Guide book; Andrea Puzakulich: garments and fashion minded paper goods; Stephanie Trevino: photography; Elissa Karstu: pen and ink drawings; and Deanna Attee: natural/herbal products. Many of the artists will be demonstrating their crafts.
Local artists Debbie Mues and Miriam Pickens visit at Miriam's pottery booth during the 2007 Art and Music Festival on the Houghton waterfront. (File photo © 2007 Keweenaw Now)
The Festival, sponsored by the City of Houghton and the Copper Country Community Arts Council, will also feature an Arts Center information booth and family art activities area. Food and refreshments will be available on site with an extreme bake sale to benefit the Community Arts Center. A special thanks to Adam Johnson at Brockit Solutions for help with planning and music line up and to Jessica Brassard for poster design.
Plenty of free parking will be available. For more information, call the Community Arts Center at 482-2333 or visit the Arts Center Web site.
Visitors to Houghton's 2007 Art and Music Festival check out booths with exhibits by local artists. (File photo © 2007 Keweenaw Now)A bike parade will take place at 11:45 a.m. Youth can bring their bikes to the waterfront from 10 a. m. to 11:30 a. m. and decorate them prior to the parade. Family art activities will be held from noon to 3 p. m.
Music starts at noon and goes until 6 p. m. The official band line up includes the New Zeeland Jazz Apples at noon, the Squeaky Clean Cretins at 1 p. m., the On the Spot Blues Band at 2 p. m., Keweenaw Brewgrass at 3 p. m., the Blackflies at 4 p. m. and Hanna Bethel at 5 p. m.
The art fair starts at 11 a. m. and will feature a variety of art and fine craft. Current participating artists include Charles Young: silver jewelry; Dennis Sotala: pottery; Sue Stephens: fiber art-hats, shawls, purses, scarves; Christine Nakkula: paintings, cards; Deb Matthews: cloth dolls; Mark Bukovich: photography; Miram Dobrofsky: pottery; Wendy Johnson and Mojo Staley: natural wood and fabric children’s play things; Kenneth Nara: wildlife and historical drawings; Seri Robinson: wooden bowls and plates; Kris Schourek: photography; Sylvia Schourek: henna tattoos; Brandi Palomaki: polymer clay goods, glass beads; Stacy Karvonen: crocheted animal hats and fiber art; Kevin Maki: rustic furniture; Jeff Massie: photography; Mark Larson: Unkle Ake's Field Guide book; Andrea Puzakulich: garments and fashion minded paper goods; Stephanie Trevino: photography; Elissa Karstu: pen and ink drawings; and Deanna Attee: natural/herbal products. Many of the artists will be demonstrating their crafts.
Local artists Debbie Mues and Miriam Pickens visit at Miriam's pottery booth during the 2007 Art and Music Festival on the Houghton waterfront. (File photo © 2007 Keweenaw Now)The Festival, sponsored by the City of Houghton and the Copper Country Community Arts Council, will also feature an Arts Center information booth and family art activities area. Food and refreshments will be available on site with an extreme bake sale to benefit the Community Arts Center. A special thanks to Adam Johnson at Brockit Solutions for help with planning and music line up and to Jessica Brassard for poster design.
Plenty of free parking will be available. For more information, call the Community Arts Center at 482-2333 or visit the Arts Center Web site.
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Ride of Silence helps create bike safety awareness
Participants gather on the Michigan Tech campus to begin the 2008 Ride of Silence on May 21. (Photo © 2008 Philip Smythe. Reprinted with permission.)HOUGHTON -- This year's Ride of Silence, on May 21, attracted 75 cyclists of all ages (the oldest was 78!) who rode to commemorate all bike riders who have lost their lives or been injured while riding on public roadways.
"Best ride yet," said Terry Smythe, fitness director of Keweenaw Memorial Rehab and Fitness Center. "The weather was cloudy and 52 with a north wind so it was cool riding."
Bike riders, young and old, participate in the Ride of Silence on May 21 in Houghton. They wear orange t-shirts to call attention to the need for safety on roads and awareness of cyclists' rights to use the roads. (Photo © 2008 Philip Smythe. Reprinted with permission.) Riders rode in silence at a maximum of 12 m.p.h., with a Houghton Police escort.
"We are fortunate that we have not had a death up here since Nick Bell died 4 years ago on July 23 in Keweenaw County," Smythe added. "We do need to continue to encourage people to ride safely and defensively and obey traffic rules when riding as much as we need drivers to respect our right to share the road. It's an uphill battle in Michigan, but we are making strides."
Smythe noted the gas crisis is forcing people to walk and ride more and increasing their awareness of bike safety, yet motorists still need to be on the lookout and respect bike riders.
Lori Hauswirth, organizer of local community bike rides and races, writes, "This is a great event with a great mission: To RAISE AWARENESS that we are here (and) to ask that we all SHARE THE ROAD."
Bike riders in hundreds of locations worldwide participate in this international event. Visit the Ride of Silence Web site for more information and reports from various group participants in the 2008 event.
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